The adrenal glands are situated on top of each kidney. The outer adrenal cortex produces the hormones cortisol and aldosterone which are essential to life. The inner adrenal medulla produces non-essential hormones such as adrenaline which is involved in the body's stress response.The pituitary gland releases hormones which control the production of androgens, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids from the adrenal cortex.The sympathetic nervous system stimulates the adrenal medulla to produce adrenaline and noradrenaline.